Video game dogs are usually presented as loyal and unwavering companions. Their role will typically see them embarking on a journey alongside a game’s protagonist, but this isn’t the only purpose they serve. The presence of a dog will often grant the player a brief moment of normalcy in an otherwise otherworldly experience.
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Thoughthese adorable creaturescan sometimes display hostility toward a player, there is no denying the level of charm they can add to a game’s overall experience. Some of the best dog-themed video games portray the lovable creatures as antagonists, but that doesn’t negate an animal lover’s urge to reach out and administer a quick head pat.
10The Last Guardian
The beginning ofThe Last Guardiansees an unnamed boy awakening in a cave system that he has no memory of journeying to. Besides the confused child lies Trico, a mythological creature whose design echoes similarities toan abundance of different animals. Though the beast’s appearance may spark terror in the player, its playful dog-like personality diminishes its level of intimidation.
Though Trico is initially aggressive toward the young boy, the journey they embark on sees them forming an inseverable bond. Like a dog, Trico must be trained to follow the boy’s commands if they hope to escape the mysterious land they find themselves in. The story ofThe Last Guardianmarks one of the most heartwarming owner-pet relationships in gaming history.
9Tokyo Jungle
Tokyo Jungletells the harrowing tale of a city whose residents have all mysteriously vanished. In humanity’s absence, animals are free to roam the world’s now barren land, but surviving its horrors is quite challenging.
The player will be granted the opportunity to play as a variety of different animals throughout their journey, but the dog breeds present in the game are arguably the most endearing. While in control of one of the many dog breeds available, the player will be tasked with hunting to survive, leading to some of the most ridiculous battles in gaming.
8The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs
The base release ofThe Sims 4was sadly lacking in lovable animals, but the 2017Cats & DogsDLC remedied this oversight. The DLC finally allowed longtime fans of the series to adopt their own animals while also giving them the chance to explore Brindleton Bay.
Brindleton Bay is a coastal town full of like-minded animal lovers. While wandering the town, the player will come across a variety of different cats and dogs that they can interact with, further enhancing the town’s overall love of animals. The DLC also allows the player to start upa veterinary clinicif they wished to.
7Final Fantasy 14
Players will have to progress through the main story ofFinal Fantasy 14if they hope to quickly obtain a mount. Upon reaching level 20 and aligning with the Grand Company, the “My Little Chocobo” quest will become available and, once it is completed, the player will be given the chance to explore the vast lands of Hydaelyn while atop a feathery friend.
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Prior to 2022,Final Fantasy 14focused primarily on its inclusion of fantastical and otherworldly creatures, butthe introduction of the Megashibacompletely revitalized the game for dog lovers. Players can now mount a giant Shiba Inu before embarking on their adventures, allowing them to bring a man’s best friend on all of their journeys.
6Animal Crossing: New Horizons
TheAnimal Crossingseries is chock-full of unique canines with differing personalities. The player will likely encounter a few canine neighbors upon moving to their new town but, if they don’t,a quick visit to the Town Hall on a Saturday eveningwill satisfy their wants.
During the player’s time in their new town, they will likely stumble upon at least one of twenty-eight dog-like villagers. Each canine has a unique design and demeanor, with both features working together to give them a sense of individuality.
5Dog’s Life
Set in the countryside city known as Clarksville,Dog’s Lifepermits animal lovers to don the identity of Jake, a young and immature American Foxhound with a big heart. The beginning of the game sees Jake witnessing Daisy, his Labrador love interest, being kidnapped by dogcatchers.
To rescue Daisy from her captors, Jake embarks on an adventure to Boom City in the hope of uncovering clues regarding her whereabouts. On their journey, the player will be allowed to play as fifteen different dogs that each have unique abilities.
4Nintendogs
Nintendogsis one of the most charming dog-fueled video game series ever created. Each series entry sees the player adopting and naming a dog before bringing it home to live with them. Once home, the player will be given the chance to take their new companion on a series of adorable adventures.
Like in real life, the player will have to train, walk, and bathe their new companion, but these activities are made so much more enjoyable thanks to the game’s design.Nintendogsis set in real-time, so the player must tend to their pet regularly to keep them happy.
3Blair Witch
After a boy goes missing in the Black Hills Forest, Ellis, alongside his loyal German Shephard named Bullet, will join a search party in the hope of finding him. The majority oftheBlair Witchgameplaces Bullet by the player’s side, but he is much more than an adorable presence.
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Bullet was given to Ellis by his police department because his employers felt they both had similar histories. As a trained police dog, Ellis can call upon Bullet to investigate interesting areas. He can also praise the dog for successfully following his given commands, a feature that injects the game with some much-needed sweetness.
2The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Skyrimis set in a land full of countless mythological creatures, but sometimes the player will yearn for the presence of something more familiar. As the Dovah-Kiin ventures throughout the vast world, they will likely encounteran array of charming dogsthat will happily join the player on their adventures if asked.
The addition of theHearthfireDLC allows the Dragonborn to purchase and decorate their own home. If the player wishes, they can also invite their newly adopted pets to live with them, making their house feel much more like a home than it was before.
1Undertale
Dog lovers will quickly find themselves becoming obsessed withUndertaledue to the charming way it presents its canines. As Frisk delves deeper into the Underground, they will be greeted by multiple dogs, all of which feature unique personalities.
Dogs play an important role inUndertale’s plot. To progress the story,Frisk will often have to best them in combat, but animal lovers will be happy to learn violence isn’t always the best means of doing so. Upon being forced to battle Lesser Dog, the player can prioritize petting the beast over attacking it, leading to one of the game’s most comical moments.
